Best Kayak Carriers of 2021

Kayaks, paddleboards and surfboards are too long to comfortably carry inside a vehicle. Hauling a trailer is one option, but it’s cumbersome and requires a vehicle with a tow-hitch. A rooftop kayak rack is the most convenient way to transport watercraft to the water. Mounting a kayak to the roof of a car frees up interior space and reduces the chance for scuffing hulls and chipping paint.

There

Best Overall Kayak Carrier

Rhino Rack Nautic 580

Why We Picked It

The Rhino Rack Nautic 580 attaches to most popular roof rack models. Low profile, rubber-padded cradles support a kayak at four points — two on the front crossbars and two on the rear. The moveable cradles can accommodate a wide variety of hull shapes. Unlike most kayak carriers available, the Nautic 580 features a hidden, lockable cover plate that secures the cradles to the crossbars — a notable feature that sets it apart from the rest.

Pros & Cons

Includes a 5-year product warranty.
180-degree cradle rotation allows for side loading.
Includes two tie-down straps, two rapid straps with buckle protectors and keys.

Not compatible with all roof rack systems.
Only transports one kayak.

Best Budget Kayak Carrier

HandiRack Inflatable Bars

Sale

$99.95

(-$15.00) (15%)

Why We Picked It

The HandiRack Inflatable is a practical, temporary crossbar system for mounting watercraft and other equipment onto cars without roof racks. A pass-through cabin fitting strap secures the twin bars in place with a cam buckle. Inflating the puncture-resistant nylon tubes fastens them to the roof. The six-pound system deploys and deflates with ease and packs down small for storage. It’s interchangeable between vehicles — a potential perk for multiple car owners.

Pros & Cons

Impressive 175 pound load capacity.
Ready to install right out of the box; no tools or drilling required.
Minimal drag and wind noise when in use.

Not compatible with roof rack systems; vehicle side rails are okay.
Less durable than metal roof racks.

Best Saddle-Style Kayak Carrier

Malone SeaWing

Why We Picked It

The SeaWing is the most secure kayak carrier available. Its low profile design can accommodate a second system for carrying kayaks side-by-side. Two adjustable V-shaped beds support the boat in a horizontal position and ratcheting straps fasten it down onto the roof. The saddles gently flex to fit boats of different widths, help reduce wind drag and improve gas mileage. Extra surface contact with the kayak makes saddle-style carriers more stable than temporary pads and j-cradles.

Pros & Cons

Rear loading; load-assist accessories available.
Includes cam style load straps with buckle protectors and bow and stern lines.
Mounts to most base racks, including round, square and some oval cross rails.

Not lockable/no security options available.
Some assembly required.

Best J-Style Kayak Carrier

Thule Hull-a-Port Pro

Why We Picked It

Thule’s Hulla-a-Port Pro is the most ergonomic rack in its class. Two J-shaped cradles mount onto the front and rear roof rack load bars, leaving space for a second carrier or accessory. Four padded contact points adjust to support a kayak in a vertically oriented position and ratcheting straps keep it secure. A simple lever folds the system flat when the carrier’s not in use, improving overhead clearance and gas mileage.

Pros & Cons

Tool-free installation; includes bow and stern tie downs.
Includes pockets for tucking away loose strap ends.
Fits Thule racks, round bars and most factory roof racks.

Not lockable/no security options available.
Won’t fit kayaks over 34 inches wide.

Best for Hauling Multiple Boats

Malone Stax Pro 2

Sale

$139.95

(-$31.96) (23%)

Why We Picked It

The Malone Stax Pro 2 is a stacking-style system for transporting two kayaks at a time, positioned side by side. A carrier base with octagonal aluminum posts support the boats on the roof while foam stacker blocks cushion them and load straps secure them to the post. The base is suitable to mount on round, square and most factory oval crossbars. Like the Thule Hull-a-Port Pro, this system folds down when not in use.

Pros & Cons

Tool-free assembly with universal fit JAWZ mounting hardware.
Includes four bow and stern lines for added stability during transport.
Includes a lifetime warranty.

Maximum load capacity of 50 pounds per boat.
Kayaks must be no more than 32 inches wide.

Bestselling Kayak & Canoe Car Racks on Amazon

Sponsored

Bestseller No. 1

IKURAM R Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack of Bilateral Premier J-Style Folding 4-in-1 for Canoe, SUP, Kayaks, Surfboard and Ski Board Rooftop Mount on SUV, Car and Truck

🛶【Maximum Kayak Protection】: Maximum protection for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards thanks to the oversized, thick and all-weather rubber saddles and padded upright, which can stop the kayak from rubbing and getting damaged effectively, that is the Best-in-Class TopGuard padding.
🛶【Universal and Easy Mounting Design】: This J-Cradle accommodates kayaks up to 42" wide and 72 kg/158 lbs, fits to square and the most oval shaped factory installed cross rails quickly and easily, and this kit includes everything you need to transport two kayak vertically on the roof of your car, bow-stern safety tie-downs and two 25×2800 mm heavy-duty straps with a break strength of 750 lbs are also included.
🛶【Not For a Single Use】: Made from high quality anodized Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloys, lightweight, durable and rust-resistant, that can be really water-proof and anti-corrosion for longer time, which means you can reuse it every year, save your money and save the world.

SaleBestseller No. 2

2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount on Car Roof Top Crossbar-Easy to Carry Kayak Canoe Boat Surf Ski (J-Bar Rack)

KAYAK CAR TOP CARRIER A simple, low-cost solution to carrying your kayak ITEM#: KAYAK-RK-J(1SET) CONDITION: BRAND NEW QUANTITY: 2 PAIRS.
SECURITY FEATURES:in order to ensure that customers have a good trip and safe, this product USES the loose to prevent the installation of the screw, each 2 sets of Mounting hardware.Before and after the configuration has 10 feet long ratchet rope.1 inch wide, 10-foot long, blue and high quality belt buckles can be maintained for a long time without breakage and safety and reliability，The strongest factory tested tie down straps: 600 lb break strength
FEATURES: Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide and 100lbs Will fit most factory or aftermarket round,square,oval and flat crossbars.

Bestseller No. 3

Lifetime Warranty TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mounted on Car SUV Crossbar

Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection
Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading
Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal

SaleBestseller No. 4

2 Pairs Kayak Rack J-Bar Car Roof Rack for Canoe Carrier SUP Paddle Surfboard Mount on Car SUV and Truck Crossbar， Includes 4 Pcs 8Ft Roof Rack Tie Down Cam Straps.

🛶【4 Racks】Wide mouth J-bar makes loading and unloading easier.Fit most factory or aftermarket square,oval and flat crossbars.
🛶【4 Pcs 8Ft Roof Rack Tie Down Cam Straps】The cam buckle is fast and easy to use and includes a quick-release thumb button.
🛶【Rubber Pedal & Foam Protector】The foam padding and the rubber base cover are made of real rubber and foam. They are Anti-Slip, water and sun resistant.

Bestseller No. 5

194 Reviews

ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack Carrier Kayak & Canoe Car Racks J-Bar with Paddle Holder for Easy Mount Kayak/Surf/Ski/Canoe/SUP on SUV, Car and Truck Crossbar

Upgraded Design for The Best Value: Made of high quality aviation grade aluminum alloys, Unique horizontal bar provides better stability than most roof racks. Features lightweight durable rust-resistant and weather resistant for repeated use every year.
Great Helper Brings Peace of Mind: Exquisite craftsmanship rubber pedal & foam protector, provide maximum protection for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards, also keep your roof cross-bar from scratching. Ultra-high density foam can reduce the friction between the kayak and the rack, and also protect the hull finish during transport.
Effortless Install and Fold Design: Universal J-bar rack with quick raise and fold down design for easy adjustment, 180°adjustable angle meet different requirement of various size of kayaks. Single handed lock down design features flexible and firm, easily lock down your kayaks without extra tools.

Bestseller No. 6

Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack 4 PCS/Set J Bar Car Roof Rack for Canoe Surf Board SUP On Roof Top Mount on SUV, Car and Truck Crossbar with 4 pcs Tie Down Straps

[ HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION ] – The racks are made of 22mm diameter and 1.5mm thick steel tube, 8.5 "widening design, stronger than else. Black Powder-Coated Steel for Durability & Rust Prevention Plus Long-Lasting, can resist all weather condition and use for a long life.150 Lbs Tested, easy and safe for your transport.
[ FOLDING AND ERGONOMIC DESIGN] – Ergonomic quick release design, more easily to fold and raise the racks than others. Racks can be folded flat when not in use, get better clearance to drive your car into garage and not have to remove.
[ REDUCE SCRATCH DESIGN] – Foam Padding and Rubber Pedal design to reduce scratch of your kayak and prevent the canoe or kayak from rubbing.

Bestseller No. 7

ECOTRIC J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Canoe Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack Boat SUV Van Car Extend The Warranty for 3 Months

Cross Bars are thicker than 1" or wider than 2.5" will not be mounted properly,round or oval crossbar is not fit.please notice it
Straps: 8' length Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide Net.
includes: 2 PAIRS (4 racks for 2 kayaks) + 4x Straps + Set of Mounting Hardware.

Bestseller No. 8

1 Reviews

Novinter Soft Roof Rack Pads for Kayak/Canoe/Surfboard/SUP/Snowboard with 2 Tie Down Straps, 2 Tie Down Rope, 2 Quick Loop Strap, and Storage Bag

🏄‍♂️Easy to Install: No tools required, with the installation instructions to help you install the roof rack quickly. The soft roof rack set comes with all the attachments and straps necessary. Include 2 * 15ft tie-down straps, 2 quick loop straps, and 2* 15ft tie-down ropes to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the load in place.
🏄‍♀️Easy to storage: With a storage bag, the roof rack pads set can be stored in the rear trunk when not in use, and it does not occupy the place at all, very convenient to carry.
🏄‍♂️Universal Compatibility: Novinter soft roof rack pads fits your vehicle with or without the side rails. The pads are suited for carrying your kayak/surfboard/SUP/canoe/SKIS/Snowboard to your favorite paddling spot and have a maximum weight load of 80kg.

Bestseller No. 9

AA-Racks Steel Jetty Saddle Rack for Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Paddle Board Surfboard Roof Top Mount on Car SUV Truck Crossbar with Ratchet Lashing Straps

【Jetty Saddle System】Flexible four point saddle system, which adapts to kayak hull design. Hold your kayak in place, occupy minimal space on load bar. Can load from either side of vehicle
【Rubber Padding】Integrated rubber padding protects kayak during transport. They are Anti-Slip, water and sun resistant
【How to Use】Attach Carrier to Vault Cargo roof rack rails for an easy kayak transportation solution

Bestseller No. 10

206 Reviews

Onefeng Sports 135LB Kayak Saddle, Aluminum Rustless Kayak Roof Rack with 1.5" Width Tie Down Straps for Carrier Canoe Boat Paddle Board Surfboard, to Mount on Car SUV Truck Crossbar

★【RUSTLES & DUEABLE MATERIALS】Kayak bracket is black and made of aluminum frame with rubber pads to prevent scratches and damage. Constructed of high strength aluminum＆stainless hardware for superior boat security year after year, season after season.
★【ADJUSTABLE DESIGN FOR UNIVERSAL】 Versatile 0-180 degree adjustable angle kayak saddle to fit any watercraft, boat, ski, SUP, paddleboard, on the car top. Easy to load from both side of vehicle.
★【CARRIES】Carries 1 kayak or canoe.Attaches and detaches to your roof rack system in seconds.Total load capacity 135 lbs.

Methodology

Forbes Wheels reviewed dozens of watercraft carriers for features and capabilities. We focused on options designed to fit different vehicle roof setups and accommodate a varying number of kayaks. We narrowed the field to companies with strong reputations in the auto accessory market and a high quantity of positive consumer reviews.

Prices range from under $100 to over $300, with the majority falling between $100 and $200. We tested five rooftop kayak carriers and rated them for compatibility, rooftop requirements, ease of mounting and loading, load capacity and security features.

How do you lift and carry a kayak by yourself?

Stand on the left side of the kayak with the bow (front) facing ahead of you and the stern (rear) facing behind you.
Bend your knees and squat, using your right hand to reach and pull the kayak towards you until it’s resting against your right knee.
Pull the bottom of the kayak onto your bent leg and up onto your thigh.
Pull the rim of the cockpit farthest from you off the ground and up and over onto your right shoulder.
Slowly lift to stand with the kayak resting on your right shoulder. Now, you can carry it to your destination.

If you're loading the kayak atop the car, these steps work if you're loading from the left side of the car. If you plan to load from the right side of the kayak, stand to the right of the kayak, use you left hand to pull the kayak, and pull it onto the left shoulder.

Should kayaks be transported upside down?

Kayaks should be transported with the cockpit facing down when traveling through inclement weather to prevent them from filling with water. If the kayak must be carried upright, use a cockpit seal.

What’s the best way to transport a kayak?

Crossbar roof racks are the best method of transporting a kayak because they’re more secure than temporary block systems. A roof rack should be secured at each crossbar as well as between the vehicle and the kayak's bow and stern. Rotomolded (plastic) kayaks can be carried on their edge or upside down but composite kayaks should always be transported on their hull. Cradles lessen the chances of deforming a kayak by preventing it from being lashed too tightly. These are ideal for transporting kayaks at high speeds or in inclement weather.

What’s my car’s base roof setup?

A naked vehicle has nothing on it. A vehicle with two bars running from the front to the back has side rails, or rails. Cars with factory or aftermarket crossbars sport two sets of bars that span horizontally (side to side) across the vehicle, sitting atop the rails.

Is a permanent roof rack or temporary foam rack better?

A permanent roof rack is the better option for frequently traveling with a kayak and/or going long distances. Temporary block systems are ideal for transporting a kayak short distances at slower speeds.

The Best Kayak Carriers For 2022

Methodology